Form: Draw Columns
Toolbar button:
Use the Draw menu > Draw Columns command to add line objects to the model that can be assigned column properties for modeling columns and braces. Unlike beam type line objects, which lie in the model datum plane, these column type line objects are perpendicular to the datum plane.
Column objects are located as points in the datum plane, but are extruded by the program into lines above and below the datum plane with column property assignments.
TIP: Column geometry can be altered such that columns become braces using the Draw menu > Reshape Object command, or right clicking on a column end point and editing the geometry.
Click the Draw menu > Draw Columns command to access the floating Draw Columns form that displays the parameters for the column to be added, including Property Below (choose from previously defined column properties), Property Above, Height Below and Height Above. There are also edit boxes for Plan Offset X and Plan Offset Y, Angle and a drop-down list for Cardinal Point. The cardinal point locations are displayed on a sketch when the mouse pointer hovers over the words Cardinal Point.
If needed, modify the displayed data by selecting from the drop-down lists or by typing directly into the edit boxes. Use the Plan Offset X and Plan Offset Y parameters to locate the column a certain distance from where you click. Input an angle to rotate the column using the right-hand rule (the “thumb” is oriented along the 1 axis from End I to End J), and change the cardinal point from the default centroid by selecting a different location in the drop-down list.
To place a column object in the model, click on a grid intersection or at any other location on the datum plane; columns can be located on the datum plane only, so working in a plan view is usually best. Each subsequent click will add another column object.
To exit the draw column mode, click on the button 
or hit the Esc key to activate the select mode. Data associated with a column object can be reviewed and modified by right clicking on the line to access the Column Type Line Object Information form. For additional information on column/brace cardinal points, please consult “The Frame/Cable Element” chapter in the Analysis Reference Manual (see Help menu > Documentation, Manuals subdirectory).